Dimmuborgir

North , Iceland

Photos

Dimmuborgir is a vast lava field in the Mývatn region in the north of Iceland, with huge lava pillars, extreme lava rock formations, rock arches, and caves. The lava pillars, or lava chimneys, as they are also called, are striking geological formations that add a very dramatic element to the location. There are numerous walking paths, you can walk along them and explore the rocks from different viewpoints. The pillars are tall and have distinctive patterns and textures with rough and rugged surfaces. The colour varies from dark grey to black, which creates a fantastic contrast between the lava and the vegetation around it. A truly magical place with a labyrinthine atmosphere. You can easily spend hours exploring and discovering new viewpoints of this unique landscape. The hiking trails are excellent and vary in length. Game of Thrones fans may recognise the location.

There are no videos or 360° available for this location as a drone flying is stricly forbidden due to birdlife.

Climate

The North Atlantic Ocean has a big impact on the weather in north Iceland, which is usually cold and uncertain. The winters are hard, with temperatures below zero and snow, and the summers are cool, with average temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Rainstorms happen often in the area, and in some coastal places, there may be strong winds.

Data source

Temperature Wind Rain Snow

Temperature averages

Lighting

The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).

Data source

Daylight Sun Position Clouds

Accessibility

The location is close to route number 1, and the car park is only 1.2 km from the main road around Lake Mývatn. There are numerous hiking trails at the location which vary in length and are accessible for 6-wheelers with permission from rangers.

Public transportation unavailable

There is no public transportation available in this area

Car recommended

Unchallenging terrain accessible by car

Good phone coverage

Generally good phone coverage without any major interruptions

Guide recommended

Guidance is suggested, but not required

Permits

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This area needs a two-way permit.

Shooting requires both the permission from the property owner and the local government permit

The area is preserved by Icelandic nature law.

Shooting permits are issued by the local government

Basecamp and facilities

There are two large parking lot outside the entrance to Dimmuborgir. The main panoramic viewpoint is at a slightly elevated level outside the visitor centre. There are facilities on site with a small café and phone coverage is excellent and good inside the lava field.

Risk factors

The lava field and the lava pillars are sharp and jugged and can be treacherous to walk on. The rocks can be unstable, and the paths vary from very easy to moderate in difficulty. This area is preserved by law.

Visitors

The area is on the Diamond Circle and is very popular with tourists and locals.

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